Best Hardware for Simple File Server?

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imported_Kudos

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Dec 10, 2004
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So, I need to build a file server that will be on at all times, so my modded xbox can access video's and other files.

I currently have an old PC which I'm working on getting a few parts for it, and it will work for a file server, but I'm curious as to the best hardware for a good, simple file server to minimise power draw.

Would it be better to use the smallest PSU possible?
Would it be better to use a low end Processor, or are newer processors going to draw less power?
I have an old motherboard, an Asus A7V266, should I stick with it, or get something newer?
I use IDE HDD's in this computer, should I use SATA?
Do multiple HDD's make a significant power draw difference? Should I shoot for getting one very large Hard drive or can I continue to use multiple HDD's as needed?

Should I get a mobo with everything onboard? Video, LAN, Audio? Or opt for seperate cards like I use now?
 
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Steven the Leech

Golden Member
Oct 16, 1999
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I would recomend that you use what you have now, purchasing as little hardware as you possibly have to. The Asus A7V266 would be perfect with a "whatever you got CPU" and a minimal amt of ram. If you dont have enough hardware, go to FS/FT and see if what you need is there.
 
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Budman

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
10,980
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lowest power would probably be a NAS, network attached storage. it's a small box and doesnt draw all that much power.
 
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nsafreak

Diamond Member
Oct 16, 2001
7,093
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Whatever you have lying around should be just fine. My electric bill was $63 this month and that's with the following running 24/7:

P4 3.0 Ghz CPU
18" LCD
17" CRT
2 hard drives (one PATA and one SATA)
Radeon 9800 Pro

and

Dual PIII 667
3 10K RPM SCSI HDDs (1 Ultra160 and 2 Ultra320s)

Plus my I do run my 27" TV, HK receiver, and other stuff hooked up to my home entertainment system on a regular basis. PCs really do not take up that much power. And since you can run whatever you build headless you will be eliminating the largest power draw of a PC setup.
 
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imported_Kudos

Member
Dec 10, 2004
153
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when I looked them up online you had to run software on the computers you waned to have access to the drive. Mabye I read it wrong and you only have to run the software on one computer?
 
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DaveSimmons

Elite Member
Aug 12, 2001
40,730
670
126
Originally posted by: tfinch2
Originally posted by: Kudos
NAS woudn't work with the modded xbox though
Click to expand...

Why wouldn't it? It's just another node on the network just like the file server.
Click to expand...
That assumes the Xbox and NAS box both agree on the file sharing method.

The reviews of the Netgear NAS box say client PCs must install Netgear-specific drivers to talk to it.

 
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Bobthelost

Diamond Member
Dec 1, 2005
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CPU: Older+Slower are better, exceptions are mobile CPUs and possilby the new AM2 low powered CPUs that should be drawing very little power. Try undervolting your current CPU if you can.

RAM: Not a major current draw, but every little helps, DDR2 is more efficent than DDR.

HDD: Larger single drives are better than two small ones:
7k250: Idle: 6.1, Max: 11.3 watts
7k500: Idle: 8.5, Max: 14.6 watts
Doubling the capacity increased the power draw by 1/3

Graphics card: Onboard is best, otherwise the lowest powered (oldest) one ever made is probably your next option.

Other: All onboard is best, lan video controllers etc.

Do not buy a brand new machine for money saving purposes, if you pay $120 for the new parts you'd have to save around 1667 kwhrs (roughly, depends on the electricity rates). Assuming your current machine is drawing an average power of 100W and you managed to halve that it would take around 3.8 years to justify itself.
 
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WackyDan

Diamond Member
Jan 26, 2004
4,794
68
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Originally posted by: Kudos
when I looked them up online you had to run software on the computers you waned to have access to the drive. Mabye I read it wrong and you only have to run the software on one computer?
Click to expand...

Some do, some don't. Depends on the model and what the NAS has for brains. I don't have to install anything for my computers to access my NAS.
 
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